Ancient Chinese terracotta statuettes, naturalistically depicted as animals and human figures that displayed in tombs, are known as Mingqi, having been made to serve the decedents in their afterlife. Images of horses are among the most favoured repertoires that were sculpted in ancient China. Horses have been complimented as the symbol of strength, masculinity, and superiority within traditional Chinese culture Terracotta statuettes, such as this fine example, are known as Mingqi (冥器) and were meant to be grave goods to be placed in tombs, as it was believed that these figures would serve and assist the deceased in the afterlife.
To discover more about Chinese statuettes of horse, please visit our relevant collection post: The Horse in Chinese Art and Culture
